Attic Air Circulation

About attic ventilation natural attic ventilation.

Attic air circulation.

Gable vents may circulate air through only a small percentage of your attic. Vents come in various styles. For the best results place roof ventilation near the roof s peak and soffit vents in the eaves. Attic air is an insulation company that specializes in evaluating your home to ensure that it is properly ventilated and insulated and the evaluation is free.

Static roof line vents are effective for ventilation but generally aren t recommended due to issues with leaks. Attic fans are intended to cool hot attics by drawing in cooler outside air from attic vents. Additionally attic ventilation is a key ingredient in the defense against ice dams in snow and ice climates. Whether using loose fill or batts put the vapor barrier closest to the warm side of your installation where hot moist air would get in facing the house s interior in cold climates beneath floor insulation and the attic s interior in hot climates on top of floor insulation.

Before we explore how to ventilate an attic space it is prudent to understand how much ventilation is needed. Soffit vents may leave air trapped at the top of your attic. Some regions don t require a vapor barrier. If you see dampness or frost you need better roof ventilation and some attic vents.

For instance attic ventilation is used widely in cold climates to evacuate the warm moist air that escapes from the living space below. Attic ventilation works on the principle that heated air naturally rises primarily utilizing two types of vents. Rarely will you find a building practice that works everywhere. Air flows in through the soffit vents and out through the roof vents.

Attic ventilation is a year round strategy to help fight heat buildup in the warmer months and moisture buildup in the colder months. Ventilation of attic spaces is required by most building codes as well as by roofing material manufacturers and the national roofing contractors association nrca. Most building codes require a ratio of 1 150 ventilation space to attic floor space. Hot air exhaust vents located at the peak of the roof allow hot air to escape.

One reason for the lack of agreement over attic ventilation is the tremendous variation in climate across north america. Intake vents located at the lowest part of the roof under the eaves allow cool air to enter the attic. This is normally the point where air enters your attic. Since 1996 attic air has earned a reputation for providing effective solutions for your insulation and ventilation needs.

Ventilation can be accomplished using various products and techniques. If the soffit of your home isn t perforated to allow air movement either replace it with perforated soffit or install round air vents under the eaves to allow air flow.